Head-Related Transfer Function Selection for AR Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to using head-related transfer functions in acoustic devices for augmented reality are inefficient and impractical, requiring extensive computing resources and burdensome measurement processes, especially when individual user data is needed, and do not scale well.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic device with a sound emitting portion, a storing portion for head-related transfer functions, and a controlling portion that selects and applies the optimal head-related transfer function based on user-specific profile matching and location discrepancies from pre-measured models, using a mobile terminal device and headphones with a gyrosensor to determine the perceived sound location direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If head-related transfer functions are measured for each individual user to improve sound localization accuracy, then the accuracy is improved, but the measurement process becomes burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-measured head-related transfer functions from a database of standardized head models as copies instead of measuring each user's actual acoustic characteristics. This allows the system to select from existing measured data (from various head types) rather than performing new measurements for each user, thereby maintaining accuracy while eliminating time-consuming individual measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-related transfer functions are measured and stored in advance in a database before actual use. This preliminary measurement of various head types allows the system to quickly select appropriate functions during actual audio processing without needing to perform measurements at the time of use, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If head-related transfer functions are measured for each individual user to improve sound localization accuracy, then the accuracy is improved, but the process becomes impractical for widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pre-measured head-related transfer functions from a database as copies rather than performing new measurements for each user. This approach maintains accuracy by using real measured data while making deployment practical, as the system can simply select from existing data without requiring complex measurement equipment or procedures at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal database of head-related transfer functions that can serve multiple users with different head characteristics. This single database serves the universal need of accurate sound localization across diverse users, eliminating the need for individualized measurement processes and making widespread deployment practical.
3Productivity
If pre-measured head-related transfer functions are used to avoid individual measurement, then the process becomes efficient, but the system complexity increases due to multiple function candidates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from user responses (such as head orientation detection via sensors or user input about perceived sound location) to iteratively select the most appropriate head-related transfer function from the database. This feedback mechanism allows the system to efficiently narrow down from multiple candidates to the best match, maintaining efficiency while managing complexity through intelligent selection algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as head orientation angles, head size, or other acoustic characteristics to select the appropriate head-related transfer function from the database. By transforming the selection problem into parameter matching, the system efficiently handles multiple function candidates through straightforward parameter comparison rather than complex analysis, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic device includes binaural speakers, a storing portion for storing a plurality of head-related transfer functions, and a signal processing portion for processing a sound signal with a head-related transfer function. Two or more function candidates are selected from the plurality of head-related transfer functions. Prescribed test sounds are emitted from the speaker. A function candidate to apply to the user is selected based on a discrepancy between a user-perceived location direction and the sound generation location direction for each function candidate.